University of Illinois Extension
Extension Council Minutes
March 7, 2016 (reschedule from February 24, 2016 due to weather)
Angela called the meeting to order at 6:13
Members Present: Linda Ryan-Catt, Dan Leggitt, BJ Titus, Aaron Crome, Laura Collier, Angela Zellers, Ron George, Paula Padgett, Kim Macke, Meggan Cash Staff Members present: Stacy Woodyard, Mary Liz Wright, Jamie Washburn, Tiffany Macke and Jessie Crews
Introductions were done by saying what part of spring each person was looking forward to enjoying.
The Minutes from the December 10, 2015 meeting were presented. Ron moved to approve the minutes as presented. BJ seconded the movement and all present were in favor.
Stacy gave an update on the unit.
Extension (state wide) has reserves to support the county level thru June of 2016. They have not received any directives to reduce staff or offices so we are hopeful that the state budget will pass soon and everything will be okay. The University of Illinois Extension only gets about 11-12% of its funding through state moneys. The local support has stayed strong and locally we have one year of funding in reserves. All of the income that we expected has been received as normal except for the state matching dollars.
If the state decides to not pay premiums on projects, then the counties will not be paying premiums. State superior ratings are the only ones that will be receiving premiums.
Our unit is completely staffed at the moment. April Knoblett, 4-H Staff in Crawford County is doing great. The Crawford clerical staff person is going to be retiring in April 2016, and they are trying to get her job filled before she retires.
Educational Activities and Programs
The individuals that would benefit the most from Mary Liz’s classes do not attend. How can she get them to attend more classes?
Have been doing noon time webinars but don’t think they are capturing the interested people. What is a better way or time to reach more people?
There was an activity where we broke into groups by our Real Color Survey color and answered six questions about educational classes we have attended in an effort to capture the most important characteristics needed to attend an educational activity.
Ponder the following question: How do we overcome apathy?
The next meeting will be April 27th at 6 PM at the Clark County Extension Office.
Laura moved to adjourn. Meggan seconded and all present were in favor. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM
Submitted by Meggan Cash